Platelet-activating factor (PAF), a phospholipid autacoid with potent effects throughout the
innate immune system, is selectively degraded by two small families of PAF
acetylhydrolases (PAF-AHs). These Ca 2+-independent phospholipases A 2 display
remarkable specificity for the length of the sn-2 residue, but this selectivity is lost as the
residue gains oxygen functions. Two of the PAF-AHs therefore are specific oxidized
phospholipid phospholipases that reduce inflammation, but also remove oxidatively …